2016 Serre Besson Cru Vinsobres

Community Tasting Notes (1) Avg Score: 90 points

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  10/1/2022 - forceberry wrote: 90 Points

  The debut vintage of this producer. A blend of Grenache Noir (51%), Syrah (34%), Cinsault (7%), Mourvèdre (6%) and Carignan (2%). Aged in 400-liter French oak barrels (15% new). Total production 7000 bottles. 14,5% alcohol. Tasted blind.
  
  Dense, moderately opaque and slightly evolved blackish-red color. Sweetish yet enjoyably meaty nose with aromas of ripe blackcurrants, some dark plums, a little bit of alcohol heat, light rubbery notes of reduction, a hint of blood and a fragrant touch of garrigue. The wine feels ripe and juicy yet enjoyably dry and savory on the palate with a full body and vibrant flavors of concentrated blackcurrant and blackberry-driven dark berries, juicy plummy tones, some gamey meat, a little bit of blood, light bilberry tones, a woody hint of savory oak and a touch of peppery spice. The wine feels enjoyably high in acidity with ripe yet firm and enjoyably grainy medium tannins. The finish is long, silky and juicy with a savory aftertaste of blackberries, some sweet plummy tones, a little bit of bilberry, light woody notes of savory oak, a hint of garrigue and a touch of peppery spice. The wine ends on a gently grippy and slightly warm note.
  
  A lovely, balanced and harmonious Southern Rhône red. Although the blend is dominated by Grenache, the other varieties seem to take on a more dominant role aromatically. It was a bit difficult at first to place this wine anywhere, as it was surprisingly fresh and high in acidity for a Southern Rhône red. However, it didn't take that long until somebody managed to guess Côtes du Rhône - which was close enough, as it wasn't that long ago Vinsobres was still part of the Côtes-du-Rhône Villages appellation. All in all, a nice and well-crafted effort where the fruit, the structure and the more savory non-fruit flavors are all nicely in balance. The alcohol might be a bit on the high side, but that just seems to be the case with almost all the Southern Rhône reds. Fortunately the wine managed to show good sense of freshness and finesse despite its ripeness. This is drinking nicely now, but it will continue to improve for at least a handful of years more. Recommended.

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